Dmitry Orlov

On Monday, the Russian national team held its first official practice ahead of the World Cup of Hockey tournament and Caps stars Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Dmitry Orlov looked very happy about it.

Monday, Team Russia held their first official practice for the World Cup of Hockey and I’ve got some great news. Washington Capitals brothers from another mother Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin have been paired together on the first line along with Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov.

Caps defenseman Dmitry Orlov is also on Russia’s first defense pairing.

Evgeny Kuznetsov is a humble guy. If you ask him about a thrilling goal he scored, he’ll brush it off as as a minor contribution in a larger effort. One of the best centers in the game, Kuznetsov will be sure to thank teammates who had nothing to do with the play.

But Kuznetsov is boastful about one thing: his purported skills in Family Feud, a show to which he is unabashedly addicted.

On Saturday, defenseman Dmitry Orlov celebrated his 25th birthday in his native Russia. The Caps’ unsigned restricted free agent honored the occasion by going out to dinner with his wife Varvara and several of his friends.

If you’re wondering why it’s taken so long for the Washington Capitals and restricted free agent defenseman Dmitry Orlov to come to an agreement on his next contract, we may have the answer for you. Orly has been busy getting married!

Early Friday morning (U.S. time), Dima Instagrammed a pair of photos from his wedding with Varvara Amosava. The photo above came with the caption (originally in Russian), “Thank you to our families for a wonderful evening!!!” On another, he said, “Our wedding day with my wife.”

Beyond 2012 fourth round pick Thomas Di Pauli, the Capitals have only two other targets they’re looking to lock up: restricted free agents Marcus Johansson and Dmitry Orlov. Johansson, who signed a one-year, $3.75 million arbitrated deal last summer, opted for player-elected arbitration again today before the 5pm deadline. This upcoming season is Mojo’s last team-controlled year before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. He’s due another raise.

Meanwhile, talented Russian defenseman Dmitry Orlov did not opt for arbitration and will continue negotiating with the team.

Inova Blood Donor Services holds blood drives at Kettler Capitals Iceplex every few months. Their next event is scheduled for Saturday, August 6 from 7AM to 5PM. This time around they will be giving away Dmitry Orlov bobbleheads and a Capitals t-shirt to anyone who donates blood.

In I can’t believe I’m writing this news, Dmitry Orlov spent his evening pumping gas and selling burgers at a Russian gas station.

The Caps’ hip-checking machine, joined by close friend and Vezina-winning goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, worked at a Gazprom in his hometown of Novokuznetsk. Orlov and Bobrovsky were participating in a media event to raise awareness for a charity event scheduled for June 30, which will, according to Orlov’s girlfriend Varya, raise money for a youth hockey program called “Special Youth School of Olympic Reserve Metallurg.” Ilya Sorokin and Kirill Kaprizov will also participate next week. Awareness raised.

Now enjoy these photos of Orlov filling up a truck and posing in front of gas pumps.